Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Feature Screenplay in 12 Weeks with Expert Guidance from a Global Executive
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Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Feature Screenplay in 12 Weeks with Expert Guidance from a Global Executive (Jan 2024)
Only 2 Spots Left To Work One-On-One With Thomas Pemberton Write your feature film screenplay in 12 weeks while being mentored by a world-renowned development executive who has optioned three projects from writers he discovered on Stage 32! ***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Thomas on email to ask him any questions about your craft or career so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.*** Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details Are you ready to write your feature film screenplay while being mentored by a world class executive? If so, this exclusive interactive Stage 32 writing lab is for you! But spots are going fast so you'd better grab your spot now! Guiding you on your writing journey to a finished screenplay is one of Stage 32's most sought after educators, Thomas Pemberton. Thomas is the Development Executive at the global production company Mind's Eye Entertainment, which has produced over 60 feature film and television projects. Thomas has a keen eye for great material and is quick to champion material he believes in. He's discovered three writers through Stage 32 who now have their projects under option with Mind’s Eye Entertainment! Over 12 intensive weeks, Thomas will work closely with you to outline, write, and actually complete your feature film screenplay. Thomas will lead intimate group sessions where he will offer notes and guidance on specific portions of each writer’s screenplay or vision documents, incrementally and methodically working towards a completed and polished product. You will also work one-on-one over Zoom with Thomas and will have direct access to Thomas over email for the duration of the lab. You will additionally have the benefit of getting support, feedback, and perspective from the other members of the lab, as well as the opportunity to offer your own for their projects. This is a perfect time to take control of your creative career and give yourself the accountability and guidance you need to take this leap and write a screenplay that you can be proud of... and that will get you noticed. You will walk away from this 12 week lab with a completed feature film screenplay in-hand that has been vetted by a top executive that you can share with studios, financiers, agents and managers! "What I most like about working with Stage 32 is finding new writers. We have optioned three projects that have come through Stage32. The range and variety of material is amazing, so whatever you are looking for they have got something for you." -- Thomas Pemberton Praise For Thomas' Stage 32 Teaching: "Thomas was instrumental in helping me get to that glorious 'Fade Out' at the end of my screenplay. After working with Thomas I feel confident that my script is ready to be read by executives and reps!" -- Sabrina S. "I didn't realize how much I didn't know about story structure and dialogue before working with Thomas. He opened my eyes to all the nuances in writing that I apply to all my work now." -- Sam B. "Felt so good to get to the end of my script! Thank you, Thomas, for your expert guidance. This course has truly been invaluable!" -- Liam R.
Introduction to Film Directing: Pre-Production, Physical Production and Post-Production
So you want to direct. You've been bitten by the filmmaking bug and now all you can think about is making a film. You've got a script (or the concept for one) and have envisioned exactly how you want to see it on the screen. And, now more than ever, with equipment more accessible, the costs of shooting affordable, the barrier of entry lower than it's every been, and the options for distribution growing seemingly by the minute, you know the path from script to screen has never been more viable. We get it. As a director you are the lynchpin of a production and the commander of a creative army in service of your vision. But, in order to truly realize that vision, you have to know everything there is about development, pre-production, physical production, and post production. Even though you can clearly see the film in your mind that's only a small part of the process of being a director. It takes hard work, discipline, and wearing many hats to be able to execute every aspect of developing and filming a movie - and to do it in a way that holds the entire production together. What you do (or don't do) in pre-production will set the tone for the entire shoot, good or bad. How you command the set on the first day will determine whether your cast and crew put forth their best effort or zone out. You have to be cognizant of shooting time/days, your budget, and assuring that your are delivering on every promise. But you're not done when you shout "That's a wrap!" There's still more to do when you get to post-production, working hand in hand with your editor, colorist, sound designer and more. It sounds overwhelming, but we're here to tell you it's not only a manageable environment, but one you can thrive in. Stacia Crawford started as an actress, but had the overwhelming desire to manage and film projects. So, she moved into producing and directing. Last year alone, she had two feature films that premiered on Netflix and Lifetime. With the success of those films, she has been hired to direct two more features this year. Stacia has worked with NBC, The History Channel, A&E, AMC, Spike and more, and has used her experience to make sure she runs a tight and efficient set. She's a pro at managing a project from the script phase through seeing her work on screen and beyond. Stacia will guide you through the entire directing process so you can understand what your responsibilities will be through pre-production, physical production and post-production. She will help you understand what to look for in your contract before you even get hired. She will teach you best casting strategies, how to find and enlist the help of your creative departments, and how to choose the right DP and AD (beyond important!) You'll also learn how to prepare your shot list and how to confidently run your set by learning how to work with actors, producers and your crew and keep them all happy. She'll teach you about your dailies and picking up scenes if the schedule shifts. Finally, she'll take you through post-production and how to work seamlessly and diplomatically with your editor, composer and your color and audio team. You'll be well-armed with all the pertinent and vital information you need to manage every aspect of being a film director. Stacia will remove your anxiety and fears by giving you the tools to succeed, thrive and have your cast and crew looking to work with you again and again. PRAISE FOR STACIA'S TEACHINGS: "If you are thinking of going into the industry it was amazing, hit all the points, and she went above and beyond when she expanded on a lot of her points...like making sure you get your insert shots (which I've been a victim of.). Overall she was great, clear and to the point." - Ryan H. I'm a screenwriter and always wanted to direct, but found the idea of it daunting. Stacia not only lifted my fears, but gave me so many "I can do that!" moments that I'm already kicking myself for not doing it sooner. She's a marvel. - Monica R.
How to Finance & Produce an Independent Film Between $250K-$2M
For many independent film producers and filmmakers, approaching financiers and securing financing for your project presents one of the biggest challenges in the entire filmmaking process. How do you build your team, bring in development funds, attach name talent and work with rebates, sales estimates & distribution to attract financing all while compiling a plan to mitigate your financial risk? This can all be overwhelming for a producer, especially given the ever changing landscape and the increasingly competitive nature of independent film. Your goal as a filmmaker or producer is to make your project more financially attractive to investors over everyone else presenting projects to them. What many filmmakers and producers don't know is that there's a "sweet spot" in a film budget range that will help you raise funds successfully and get the ROI your investors are looking for. Setting the budget for your feature film at between $250,000 and $2 million opens up a variety of options for you to be able to attach the talent you're looking for, the distribution you need and make your investors money. But first, you have to understand the financial blueprint to get you there. Franco Sama has produced 25+ successful independent feature films between $250,000 - $2MM. He has worked with Oscar winner Christine Lahti, Dane Cook, Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, David Arquette, Brittany Snow, Vivica Fox, Michael Madsen and many more. He's worked with first time directors and experienced directors and has seen all scenarios when it comes to putting together financing for films. Franco knows first hand every step of the financial model needed to make a movie profitable and he's bringing this knowledge exclusively to the Stage 32 community. In this webinar, you will learn how to approach your film from the investor’s point of view so you can not only get the money you need for your project but, most importantly, make a profit on your film so your investor gets their money back. You will learn how to build a team around your project that will not only make investing more attractive, but also assure you don't make mistakes when you go after funding. You'll learn the type of funding that is available to you and how to approach the investors attracted to and interested in each type of financing. You'll dissect how to get agents on your side to attach talent to your project and how to work with attorneys. You'll also learn the most effective distribution options for this type of film budget. Drawing from his nearly two decades of experience, Franco will teach you how he gets his dozens of projects financed, distributed and turning a profit, and why he stays in the “sweet spot” range between $250K-$2M. Give yourself the competitive advantage to understand the types of investors you need to approach, how to approach them, how to get talent attached, and, ultimately, how to get your film made, distributed, and profitable so your investors return again and again! PRAISE FOR FRANCO'S TEACHINGS: “Head & shoulders above the usual webinars on film distribution and finance. Franco actually knows his stuff and has a track record to back it up. Really good presentation.” – Scott B. “This webinar gave me a TON of information and things to consider as we move forward with our first feature project. Thank you Stage32 for providing these excellent training opportunities.” – LeAnn M. “Franco was very informative. I've already produced a ton of stuff but have been challenged by the distribution side (although my 1st feature HAS finally gotten distribution!). He gave me some great nuggets of information. I would definitely take another webinar with him.” – Stephanie B. “I thought that this seminar presented a wealth of useful information in a short period of time.” – Glen P. “The material provided is informative and appreciated!” – Andry P.
Write Now Webinar - Writing Using Limited Dialogue or Creating a Meltdown
Using the investigation scene from The Wire or the AI & Wu scene from Deadwood as inspiration, craft a scene where characters communicate using as few words as possible. As a second option, use the initial meeting between Sean and Will in Good Will Hunting or Annie's wedding shower meltdown from The Bridesmaids, and write a scene where your character snaps!
Anna Henry, TV Development Executive (worked with CBS, NBC, Nickelodeon, Starz, Amazon & more)
Producer Development Exec Anna Henry joins our Panel as we listen and read your pitches live to help educate the Writers' Room screenwriters on what is and isn't working in their pitch.
Book-to-Screen: Taking Your Book (or Screenplay) from Proposal to Published to Produced
Learn directly from Emmy Award-winning producer Lane Shefter Bishop! “Your story/book seems like it would make a great TV series or movie!” Ever heard these words before? If so, join executive Lane Shefter Bishop, as she takes you through the process in this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar. Over the last few years, Lane Shefter Bishop with Vast Entertainment has set up more than two dozen book properties – many of them only book proposals and early partials – with studios, networks and production companies throughout the entertainment industry. Underlying intellectual property is like gold these days. Great projects ‘based on’ or ‘inspired by’ literary material are constantly in demand. And by being in the center of this ‘content is king’ world, only Lane can give you the valuable insights towards making your story more sellable to the industry marketplace.
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